Chromolite Case Study: Acne
INTRODUCTION
The use of light in the management of Inflammatory Acne has a long history. From the recognised improvement of active lesions on the annual summer holiday to the use of Sun beds and subsequently blue and red light combination lamp systems, all taking advantage of the photo-responsive absorption of certain wavelengths of light into Porphyrin to destroy the P. Acnes bacteria with the resulting oxygen activation. In 2003, the Nlite Pulsed Dye Laser, a 585nm yellow light system, was shown to be very successful in improving acne with much fewer client-clinic interactions than traditionally required with the Blue or Blue-Red combination Light systems (1).
With the explosion of IPL systems onto the market in recent years many systems have been targeting the treatment of acne to increase clinic revenue. Intense pulsed light systems traditionally need a course of treatments scheduled from 1-3 weeks apart and then some regular maintenance schedule. The frequency and number of these treatments is very much dependant on the specific light output parameters of the individual systems.
The Chromolite IPL uses 535-1200nm, with the greater part of its spectral output centred on the yellow and red wavelengths. The yellow wavelengths achieve destruction of the bacterium, while the combination of both yellow and red stimulates an anti-inflammatory response in the skin and subsequent collagen stimulation, improving skin environment to prevent further colony proliferation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a recent case study a 29 year old female with Type 3 Acne Vulgaris was treated with the Chromolite IPL system in a regimen of 12 treatments scheduled over a 20 week period. The patient had multiple active lesions on cheeks, chin, neck and back. Before photos were taken prior to commencement of the treatments and again immediately prior to session 11 (at 18 weeks) to compare visible improvement. Prior to treatment the patient had not been using any conventional topical or oral acne remedies to require a washout period.
The Chromolite treatment was immediately preceded with a skin preparation procedure to optimise the environment for light absorption. This comprised of initial cleansing using Dermacel cleanser, microdermabrasion to remove dead surface skin cells and then cleansing once more to remove any debris of the mechanical peel.
Treatment energies for each session were maximised based on patient tolerance using the 535nm-1200nm output from the Chromolite and a single pass with minimum overlap was made with the Chromolite handpiece. Cooling was applied to the treatment area via stainless steel rollers when required to maximise patient comfort. No cooling contact gel was used during treatment. Total treatment time was 30 minutes with the Chromolite treatment taking only 10 minutes to perform.
Post treatment Lavender soothing gel and Dermacel AM30 moisturizer/SPF 30 serum were applied immediately post treatment.
Patient continued topical care away from the clinic using Dermacel AM30 moisturizer/SPF 30 serum daily and Dermacel PM moisturizer at night.
RESULTS
The Patient did not experience any short or long term complications as a result of the Chromolite treatments and indeed recorded complete satisfaction throughout the duration of the treatment period.
Below is listed the treatment schedule along with treatment energy parameters, cooling required and any significant observations that were made.
|
Treatment No. |
Days Elapsed Since Previous Tx |
Days Elapsed Since First Tx |
Chromolite Treatment Energy |
Cooling Required |
Significant Observations |
|
1 |
0 |
0 (0) |
40% |
None |
Multiple active lesions on cheeks, chin, neck and back Before photograph taken |
|
2 |
18 |
18 (3) |
30% |
None |
|
|
3 |
7 |
25 (4) |
40% |
Rollers – Ambient |
Noticeable reduction in oiliness of skin and appearance of lesions |
|
4 |
21 |
46 (6) |
50% |
Rollers –Ambient |
|
|
5 |
5 |
51 (7) |
40% |
Rollers – Ambient |
Reduction in number of active lesions |
|
6 |
7 |
58 (8) |
50% |
Rollers – Ambient |
|
|
7 |
20 |
78 (11) |
40% |
Rollers – Ambient |
2 active lesions on chin, further reduction in oiliness of skin |
|
8 |
8 |
86 (12) |
40% |
Rollers – Ambient |
|
|
9 |
13 |
99 (14) |
40% |
Rollers – Ambient |
1 active lesion on chin |
|
10 |
17 |
116 (16) |
40% |
Rollers – Ambient |
Considerable improvement to appearance and texture of skin |
|
11 |
21 |
137 (19) |
60% |
Rollers – Freezer cooled |
0 active lesions on face Photograph taken prior to this treatment session |
|
12 |
14 |
151 (21) |
60-70% |
Rollers – Freezer cooled |
60% used on face, 70% on chin |
Although the treatment sessions were performed on a non regular basis it is important to note that visible improvement to skin oiliness and the inflammatory appearance of the active lesions was seen after only two treatment sessions which were performed in the period of 4 weeks. This improvement was seen to accelerate when treatments were performed on a more frequent basis and after only 6 treatment sessions the number of overall active lesions was reduced to only 2 within the patients most prone area; the chin.
SUMMARY
The Chromolite IPL system proved to be a safe, effective and non invasive method to improve inflammatory Acne without the need for continued use of conventional prescriptive topical and oral remedies and with minimal appointment time which satisfied the needs of this patient. In addition to the clearing of visible outbreaks, the patient also experienced a general overall rejuvenation in skin condition which elicited many compliments from peers during the treatment regime.
Since this series of treatments the patient has undergone 4 maintenance treatments scheduled every 4 weeks which has kept the skin clear of outbreaks.
As has been seen in other clinical practice, a more regimented treatment scheduling initially can produce faster improvements (treatments every 1-2 weeks) which can then be maintained every 4-12 weeks depending on individual patient needs.
References
Seaton E et al. Pulsed-dye laser treatment for inflammatory acne vulgaris: randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2003; 362: 1347-1352.
Skin Oasis Acne Treatment
The Skin Oasis Nlite V Laser treatment uses laser energy to treat and calm acne and is virtually painless.
The Nlite Laser is not suitable for all patients, but most can benefit from this researched and proven treatment.
A high intensity yellow laser light is pulsed onto the skin of the affected area and the sensation is “like an warm face towel”.
The Laser energy penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin helping to kill bacteria deep within the skin.
The treatment is quick – most treatment sessions last no more than 30 minutes.
Some patients require a single treatment and can notice improvement over the following 3-6 months.
Many patients are delighted with the results that they attend for booster sessions every six to twelve months.
Please contact the clinic to book a free consultation.